The wrestling world was left devastated by the death of Eddie Guerrero in 2005, with the beloved star passing away at just 38. Known as a global fan favourite, Guerrero's career spanned two decades and took him from Mexico and Japan to the heights of WWE, where he became a Grand Slam Champion.
A Career of Triumph and Struggle
Guerrero debuted in 1986, making a name for himself in Mexico and Japan before impressing American audiences with his all-action displays in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1995. After returning to WCW later that year, he joined WWE in 2000, where he became a megastar and Grand Slam Champion.
Fans warmed to Guerrero as much for his battles outside the ring as those in it. He was released by WWE in 2001 due to his drug addiction issues, returning clean in 2002. Initially teaming with his nephew Chavo Guerrero Jr, he later became a successful singles competitor with his unique gimmick.
The Title Win and Final Days
In February 2004, Guerrero won the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar in an epic match, with the California crowd celebrating one of the most memorable title changes ever. In real life, Guerrero had suffered three drug overdoses as he battled addiction to alcohol and pills throughout his career, but had managed to get clean and reach the top of the wrestling world.
Tragically, just over a year after his legendary title win, Guerrero's life was cut short. He was found unresponsive in his hotel room by Chavo on the morning of a super show in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Guerrero had passed out in the bathroom with his toothbrush in his hand, and was still just about alive when found. However, by the time the ambulance arrived, he had died in his nephew's arms.
Chavo's Heartbreaking Account
Speaking on the Dark Side of the Ring, Chavo recalled the tragic moment: "I grab him and I kind of shake him and he's moving. I hear him gargle and I'm like 'Eddie, Eddie'."
"I'm wiping his face and he's still there and he's trying. And then all of a sudden, he's in my arms and he's not there any more. He passed in my arms, literally."
An autopsy later revealed that Guerrero died as a result of acute heart failure brought about by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. While he never relapsed after getting clean, it is thought his past abuse of alcohol and prescription drugs contributed to the severe hardening and narrowing of his coronary arteries.
